The National Forum of Former Legislators has called for a constitutional review to formally recognise rotational presidency between the North and South as a means of promoting equity, unity and political stability in Nigeria.
The forum made the call amid ongoing debates over power-sharing and zoning arrangements ahead of future general elections. According to the former lawmakers, Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and regional composition makes it necessary to entrench a clear rotational framework in the Constitution rather than relying on informal party arrangements.
They argued that while political parties have often adopted zoning as an internal mechanism to balance power, the absence of constitutional backing has made the process inconsistent and vulnerable to manipulation. The group said this has, in some cases, heightened political tension and feelings of marginalisation among different regions.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, a representative noted that a constitutionally backed rotation of the presidency between the North and South would strengthen national cohesion and reduce unhealthy competition for power. The forum maintained that such a system would reassure all regions of their inclusion in national leadership over time.
The former legislators also stressed that rotational presidency should not undermine merit but rather coexist with democratic principles, allowing qualified candidates from the designated zone to contest elections freely.
They called on the National Assembly to initiate the necessary legislative process, including broad consultations with stakeholders, civil society groups and traditional institutions, to ensure national consensus on the issue.
The call adds to growing discussions on constitutional reforms, as Nigeria continues to grapple with questions of federal balance, inclusion and the future of its democratic system.
